What are the benefits to asexual reproduction?

Answer 1

There are a variety of benefits to reproducing asexually. Firstly, in a favourable environment, it is possible to mass reproduce, due to the fact that many off-springs can quickly be produced from just one cell, whereas sexual reproduction is much slower.

Secondly, there is the obvious fact that there is no need for a mate, meaning that no energy is exerted travelling in search of a mate, and that only a single cell needs to survive to keep the species alive.

Thirdly, it costs a lot less for the organism to reproduce; whereas sexual reproduction requires a lot of energy, asexual reproduction calls for very little.

Answer 2

The purpose of asexual reproduction is to provide a means of reproduction for organisms that for example cannot physically move to find a mate. (ex. a flower). Therefore they have both male and female reproductive systems.

Answer 3

It allows cells, such as bacteria, to quickly produce an exact copy of themselves.